Title:Diagnostic Boundaries of Autism Disorder Vs Pervasive Developmental Disorder Nos Comparative Observational Study and Literature Review
Volume: 9
Issue: 4
Author(s): Tiziana Carigi, Filippo Muratori, Cristiano Termine, Pierangelo Veggiotti, Ledhina Derhemi, Roberta Di Nardo, Giorgio Rossi and Umberto Balottin
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Autism, classification, pervasive developmental disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise
specified, pharmacological treatment, subtype.
Abstract: Diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), and above all diagnosis of the different PDD
subtypes, is an ongoing challenge in psychopathology. Application of categorical criteria is complex and problematic in
the clinical field where the boundaries dividing some of the PDD entities are blurred, creating particular problems for the
clinician. A dimensional clinical approach, considering autistic symptom severity, level of functioning, developmental
characteristics and symptoms other than the ones typically observed in autism, may be a more suitable approach in the
clinical field and could provide the clinician treating these disorders with empirical guidance. To identify the clinical
features that might differentiate the PDD subtypes, we conducted a comparative study in a clinical sample of children
affected by autism disorder (AD) or pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and a mini
critical review of the available literature addressing clinical and psychopathological differences between the two subtypes.
The results of both our study and our literature review seem to show little support for the current PDD subtypes. In such a
framework, the most significant element in clinical practice appears to be a deep knowledge of the characteristics of the
individual in question. By adopting a broad and multi-faceted perspective, it becomes possible to define the most effective
rehabilitation treatment. This applies particularly to the pharmacological treatment, since, to date, no specific therapies for
PDDs are known and the choice of pharmacotherapy can be decided only on the basis of the patient’s general profile and
specific features.
